Space Station Seventh Grade

Reach for this book when your child is standing on the shaky ground between childhood and the teenage years, perhaps feeling self-conscious about their changing body or social standing. Jerry Spinelli captures the raw, awkward, and often hilarious reality of seventh grade through the eyes of Jason Herkimer. This story deals with the universal indignities of puberty: the sudden appearance of pimples, the agony of a first crush, and the shifting dynamics of school and family life. It is a deeply normalizing read for middle schoolers who feel like they are the only ones struggling to fit in. Spinelli uses humor to explore serious themes of self-identity and change, making it an excellent choice for a boy who may be reluctant to discuss his feelings but needs to see them reflected on the page. It offers a nostalgic yet honest look at growing up that helps bridge the gap between parents and their transitioning adolescents.